The Chauffeur

“Sue, I’m taking April to Carl and Grace’s offices. We’ll be right back.”

  “Yes, Mr. Rowe.”

  “April, have you been told my father is returning on Thursday?”

  “Yes, your mother told me. I’m picking him up at O’Hare at seven-thirty.”

  “Good. He’s been away for quite a while, and we’re all looking forward to his return. My mother will be going with you?” I ask, guiding her down the south corridor.

  “Yes.”

  “Will you drive the Rolls? I want to go as well, and the Maybach won’t fit us all. I like to meet his plane when he’s been away like this.”

  “How long has he been gone?” she asks as we approach Robin.

  “Jason! Did you come to see little ole’ me?” Robin asks in a fake southern drawl.

  “No, Robin. I’ve come to show Ms. Sanders my mother’s and father’s offices, so she’ll know where to go if she’s needed.

  “This is Robin Walsh, Grace’s assistant. Robin, this is Ms. Sanders, our driver. She’ll be around the office for the next several months while we get MileHigh up and running.”

  “Walsh?” April asks.

  “They’re cousins.”

  “It’s nice to meet you, Ms. Walsh,” April says, politely offering her hand to Robin.

  Robin glares at it as though it carries the plague.

  “Robin, that’s enough.” I lean in closer over her desk and quietly whisper. “It’s never going to happen.”

  I see that April’s watching us when she turns and steps away from Robin’s desk.

  “She has nothing on me, Jason,” Robin giggles. “Just give me time. I’ll break you. You’ll give in.”

  “It hasn’t happened in the five years you’ve been here, so you do the math,” I say, turning to follow April.

  Chapter 7

  ~April~

  After dropping Jason off in front of the office building, I find my designated spot in the garage. As Jason instructed, I report to the twenty-fifth floor and am greeted by a tall brunette.

  “You must be April.”

  “Yes, you must be Sue, then,” I say, returning her smile and taking her hand in mine.

  “Yes. Jason said that I was to show you around this morning, so let’s start with your office. It’s this way.” She extends her arm, leading me down the hall. She stops and steps into the second room on the left. “We’re having it remodeled for you. I hope it suits your needs.”

  “Sue, between you and me, I don’t need an office. It’s Mr. Rowe’s idea and unnecessary to go to the expense and trouble just to have a place for me to wait until I’m needed,” I say, looking around the room, feeling the blush on my cheeks. It’s a large office with a desk with a computer and a round table in the corner with six chairs. Why would he think I’d need all this space?

  “If you don’t mind, I’ll bring my laptop from home since it has everything that I need on it. I’ll just tap into the wireless if that’s all right, and I’ll be set. There’s a project I’m working on, and that will fill my time while I wait.”

  “Whatever you prefer, April. Over here is a bathroom. All the offices on this floor have them, and Jason is having yours remodeled for you.”

  “Sue, not to be rude, but please know that I don’t consider this my personal and private office. I’ll use that table over there to do my work while I wait until I’m needed and will use the public ladies' room across the hall. I’m just sorry that this has taken you away from more important things. I’ll be bringing my lunch from home, and if you show me that atrium Mr. Rowe told me about, I’d appreciate it.”

  I watch as a myriad of emotions crosses Sue’s face until a smile finally settles there.

  “There’s a small refrigerator, there next to the desk. You can bring anything from home to store in there. That way you won’t have to go into the dining room.”

  I relax and smile back at her, thanking her for understanding.

  “I like you, April. You’re going to give him a run for his money. He’s used to getting what he wants.”

  “I’m not like the others.”

  “No. You’ll make him work for it.”

  “Sue, please understand that I work for him. Mrs. Rowe hired me, and I will not jeopardize my position.”

  “You haven’t met Mr. Carl Rowe, have you?” Sue asks.

  “No, not yet.”

  “He’s one of the kindest men I’ve ever known,” Sue clasps her hands in front of her. “Jason is a lot like his father, you know? I don’t know what Jason has allowed you to see, but the real Jason, the one that he has inside here,” she presses her fist to her chest, “is one of the sweetest, loving and devoted friends a person could be lucky enough to have in their lives. He is fiercely loyal. It’s why I work for him. I love him as a friend and as an employer.”

  “Unfortunately, Sue, I have not been given the privilege of seeing much of that person.”

  We both turn around when there’s a knock on the door.

  “Excuse me, Ms. Sue. Can we go over the blueprints for the washroom? I need you to explain to me exactly what you want for the vanity,” the contractor asks.

  “Yes, sure,” she says, indicating she’ll be back then scurries out of the office to her desk. I follow and wait for her when Kyle steps off the elevator and heads my way.

  “Hey, April.”

  “Hello, Kyle. Did you ride your bike into work this morning?”

  “Yep. Hey, Emily and I were wondering if you wanted to go to the Underground with us this weekend.”

  “Oh, Kyle, I don’t know. I don’t like being the fifth wheel,” I explain, trying to decline as gracefully as possible.

  “I seriously doubt you will be alone for long,” he says, smiling. “Why don’t you invite Sam?”

  “I think he has a date this weekend.” He’s seeing someone he calls his Cougar.

  “We aren’t taking no for an answer, April. It’s not a date for us. It’s a group of friends going to hang out, and you are one of our friends, aren’t you?” I answer by nodding. “Well, Friday it is. You can ride with me, and we’ll swing by to pick up Emily.”

  I start to refuse, but he turns and walks to Jason’s office, so I return my attention to Sue, who’s trying to explain the type of fixture she wants in the washroom. As soon as I see Kyle leave, Jason calls Sue to send me into his office. I’m not sure why, but after asking me a few random questions, he offers to show me the location of his parents’ offices. In an open-spaced greeting area sits a beautiful blonde wearing a little more makeup than she needs. Kathryn’s cousin doesn’t hide her desire for Jason, that’s for sure. When she refuses my handshake, I know to steer clear of her. Not wanting to watch her perform for Jason, I turn and make my way back to my office until I’m needed.

  “April?” When I hear his soft voice from the doorway, I catch my breath. There is no denying it, he is incredibly handsome, and when he runs his hand nervously through his hair, it makes him appear somewhat vulnerable.

  “Why did you leave?”

  “So you could have a private conversation. I don’t need to be involved in all of that,” I say, turning back to look out the window.

  “Come with me, April,” he demands, holding his hand out to me as if he’s expecting me to take it. I don’t.

  I slip between him and the doorway, then wait for him to lead the way. I hesitate and follow him toward the elevators. When we step inside, he pushes the button labeled Dining Room then leans against the wall farthest away from me. He crosses his arms over his chest, and I tuck myself neatly in the corner.

  Once the elevator comes to a stop, he motions for me to take the lead.

  I’m startled when he places his hand on my lower back to guide me toward the elegant dining room.

  “Hello, Mr. Rowe,” the hostess greets him with a blush.

  “Hello, Debbie. I’d like my usual table please.”

  “Of course, sir.”

  Ha! I’m not the only one that calls you sir. I must hav
e had a look on my face because he grins.

  “It’s not the same, April.”

  “I don’t see how it’s not. We’re both employees. It didn’t bother you when she said it, why does it bother you when I do?”

  Just as Debbie shows us to our table, the server comes over and takes our drink order.

  “I’d like a sparkling water and coffee, please,” I say, sitting back in my seat.

  “Just a coffee for me, please, Ron. Thank you,” he says.

  After Ron brings our coffees, I watch Jason as he considers what he’s about to say.

  “I want to know why you don’t like me.”

  “I don’t dislike you, sir.” I jump when, like lightning, he sits forward.

  “Cut that shit out right now, April. I’ve asked you to call me Jason, and I’m not going to ask you again. My mother has requested that you stop, and I am now insisting.”

  Whoa. Maybe I’ve pushed back a little too hard on this.

  “You’re right. It’s a habit that’s hard to break. I will try harder. I apologize … Jason.”

  “Thank you,” he says with a sigh, sitting back in his seat again. “Now, tell me why you don’t like me.”

  “As I said, I don’t dislike you. I just—” I stop, not sure I want to continue this conversation here.

  “What? What is it about me?” He searches my face, waiting for an answer.

  “I just don’t appreciate the way you have been behaving toward me,” I say to my coffee cup.

  “Behaving?”

  “Well, for one, you cornered me in your garage. And then, of course, there was the kiss,” I explain, fumbling with the handle of my coffee cup.

  “April, if I’m not mistaken, you enjoyed that kiss.”

  “And what a gentleman you are to point that out, too, Sir,” I snap. I know I’m pushing it, but he’s pushing me as well.

  “Listen,” I say, sitting forward in my seat so that he can hear me without me having to raise my voice. “I’m not like Kathryn Walsh. I’m not even like that Francine you are planning on fucking next weekend. And I’m certainly not like Robin fawning and falling all over you as soon as you enter the room. I have standards, and I have self-respect. You have three women right there alone that you can have on any given day of the week. God knows how many more you have on speed dial. I just don’t understand why you insist on pursuing this. Is it because you can’t have me? You are not my type, Jason. The man I want is monogamous. Someone who wants me for what I have to offer and not just what’s between my legs. I will not be a notch on your pole, or bed post, or wherever it is you store your notches.” I sit back and breathe, then take a long drink of water. When I look up from my glass, I’m stunned silent.

  His face is as pale as if the blood has drained from his body. He levels his hands on either side of his coffee cup and sits silent for an uncomfortable amount of time. It looks as if he’s about to speak, but doesn’t.

  “Thank you for answering my question, Ms. Sanders.” He glances at his watch. “I better get back to work. I think I have a meeting.” He pulls a twenty-dollar bill out of his wallet, places it on the table and pushes his chair back to leave. Just as he’s ready to walk away, he turns to me, and I still see the anguish in his eyes.

  “I’m sorry, April. I’ve been rude and forward. I took liberties that I shouldn’t have. I hope you can forgive me. It won’t happen again.” When he turns to leave, I watch him walk toward the elevator with a swagger that is his alone. I also note that both of his hands are in his hair before he disappears from my view, and even though I told him that I don’t want anything to do with him, I’m sad that he’s gone.

  Holding my coffee cup in my hand, I stare out the window and pray I haven’t pushed it too far.

  “Is there anything else you need, miss?” Ron asks quietly.

  “A warm up of my coffee?” I ask, and he efficiently fills my coffee cup before turning to leave.

  I look out the window, focusing on what I said to Jason and how it affected him. I nearly have a heart attack when Kyle takes the seat across from me.

  “So, what did you do to my brother?” He motions to Ron for a cup of coffee.

  “Why?”

  “Well, I just passed him in the hall, and it looks like someone just killed his puppy. He locked himself in his office.”

  “Oh, god,” I groan and lower my face to my palms again.

  “What happened?” he asks with a concerned tone.

  “Oh, you know, just a good old fashioned verbal vomiting,” I answer, speaking into my hands. “I can’t believe I said all those hateful, hurtful things.”

  “Well, what did you say? It can’t have been all that bad, was it?”

  “Yes, it is.”

  “Are you going to tell me or are you going to continue talking into your hands like that?” I lift my face and look at him.

  “Oh, I pretty much called him a whore, told him he’s not going to fuck me and to leave me alone.”

  “Ouch!” he says, sucking air over his teeth. It doesn’t help that he has a look of pain on his face.

  “I know. I was harsh, but dammit Kyle, I’m not like those girls,” I bend forward to whisper. “That Robin was all over him, and this is where she works, for god's sake. And then I overheard him making plans to get laid by some Francine woman and, of course, I saw him in action with Kate. Now he’s coming after me with that shit.” My resolve is refueled, and I’m back to being unrepentant for speaking to him like that.

  “I told him I was a good girl with standards and values and wanted a monogamous man, not like the man-whore he is. Okay, I didn’t call him a man-whore, but I think I may have insinuated it.”

  “Oh, April,” Kyle shakes his head sadly.

  “I know. I feel just terrible in a way. But, Kyle, he’s been coming on so strong.”

  “Don’t you see it?”

  “See what?”

  “The man likes you, April. He’s pulling your pigtails; he’s chasing you around the playground, he’s putting bugs down your dress.”

  I look at him as if he’s crazy. “He wants a piece of ass, Kyle. That’s all.”

  “Yeah, a piece of your ass.”

  “Okay, what about Kathryn?” I sit back and fold my arms over my chest, feeling smug.

  “What about her? That time with Kate was the first time he’s been with a woman in months, and from what I understand, that vacation wasn’t consummated either.

  “You think he has something with her? He doesn’t. Those two are playmates—or were anyway. What’s wrong with that? He’s young, handsome and male. Are you going to deny him sex because you’ve set standards for yourself? Are you saying you are such a good little girl that you don’t allow yourself a good lay once in a while?”

  “No, but I don’t go hunting for it like a deprived addict either.”

  “Neither does he!”

  “Francine?”

  “They’re friends. He calls her when he needs a plus one. The last time he was with Francine was six months ago, April. Fuck. I’m getting pissed off at having to explain my brother’s sex life to you. He’s had sex maybe three times in the last six months, not that it’s any of your business. What about you?”

  “Don’t be angry with me, Kyle. I know all of this came out wrong. You’re right. His sex life is his own business, but if you knew how hard he’s been coming on to me, you’d understand my point of view a little better. He kissed me, Kyle. I mean really kissed me!”

  “I know. He told me. He feels bad about it too,” he says, stirring his coffee.

  “He did? He does?”

  “He told me how you want to keep this strictly professional, but as I said, he likes you. Listen, I know my brother. He’s the best. He will be the first to give you the shirt off his back in a fucking blizzard. He’s one of the best men I’ve ever known. He’s not the guy you perceive him to be, but you told him to leave you alone, and there’s no doubt that you will get your wish.”

  I wa
tch him leave, recalling what Sue and Rita said about Jason being a good man. There must be some truth in it, right? I begin to feel like shit for what I’ve started, but in my defense, all I want to do is my job. I wanted to mind my own business and keep my mouth shut, but Jason pushed me.

  ~.~

  To say that my job is stressful right now is an understatement. The ride home with Jason yesterday was cold, to say the least. He avoided looking at me and said a quiet ‘thank you’ when I opened the door for him. He didn’t look at me at all in the car and even drove himself to work this morning letting me know that he wouldn’t need me at the office today because he has his own car. He informed me this morning, by way of email, that he’d be staying at his condo in town and wouldn’t need me for the rest of the week. I asked Kyle about it, and he said that Jason is just under strain with his new pet project, but I have a hard time believing that.

  Since I don’t have to drive Jason today, I decide to get the oil changed in the Rolls and take it for a thorough car wash, so it’s ready for the trip to the airport to pick up Mr. Rowe. Once I return to the estate, I take the Maybach to get its yearly checkup along with a detailed carwash. When that’s finished, I check on Mr. Rowe’s Mercedes CLS that’s been sitting idle for a while. I start the engine to let it warm up, wash the windows, and dust the inside surfaces. I notice a strange looking contraption built into the console, just under the dash. It’s something custom that I’ve never seen before. The connection leads to what looks like a cigarette lighter. Not knowing what it is, I don’t touch it and quickly finish wiping down the remainder of the car. I think Mr. Rowe will be happy with it.

  Now that my tasks are complete, and since my afternoon is free, I take a few hours to go to the market to stock my cupboards. I walk to the main house to let Rita know I’m going.

  “Hey, Rita,” I greet her, walking through the back door.

  “Hi, April. You didn’t come in for lunch today. Do you want me to make you something?”

  “No, I grabbed something while I was out getting the car serviced. I’m going to run to the market. Do you need anything while I’m out?” I ask, taking a banana out of the communal fruit bowl.